At an extraordinary public meeting held at St John’s Hall earlier this month, Penzance Town Council voted unanimously to provide an emergency funding package that will secure the future of Jubilee Pool.
In a presentation delivered by Jubilee Pool board member Susan Stuart and Cornwall Councillor Cornelius Olivier, together with input from pool manager Abbie Cranage, councillors were given detailed information regarding the pool’s current financial situation, their funding proposal and their additional funding request.
The representatives of Jubilee Pool explained that the delayed opening of the pool, now scheduled for early July 2019, together with the financial losses made last year, would result in reduced revenues this year.
They also explained that the planned winter maintenance programme, which had now escalated as a result of storm damage to the external wall of the pool, had been deferred until 2019/20 due to lack of funds.
After answering further questions regarding costs, procedures and future plans, Jubilee Pool proposed that the assembled councillors approve a grant of £48,840 to support this year’s pool operations. They were also asked to consider a one-off exceptional grant of £95,700 to cover the postponed winter maintenance programme and other costs incurred due to the delayed opening. Susan Stuart explained that if this emergency funding package was not agreed, then the future operation and solvency of Jubilee Pool would be in serious doubt.
The councillors unanimously resolved to approve the grant of £48,840 for 2019/20, together with the one-off exceptional grant of £95,700.
